From Economic Empowerment to Entrepreneurship – Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare

Viksit Bharat Women Entrepreneurs Conference

Mumbai : Women are progressing from financial literacy to economic empowerment, and the Zhep Foundation is playing a crucial role in this journey. Through the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin” scheme, women are utilizing financial assistance to transition into entrepreneurship via self-help groups. Women are transforming from “beloved sisters” into successful entrepreneurs, said Minister for Women and Child Development, Aditi Tatkare.

The Viksit Bharat Women Entrepreneurs 2025 Conference was organized by the Zhep Foundation at the World Trade Center. During the event, Minister Aditi Tatkare honored the beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme and women entrepreneurs emerging from self-help groups.

Present at the event were Principal Secretary of the Chief Minister’s Office Ashwini Bhide, Deputy Managing Director of the Maharashtra Small Industries Development Corporation Farogh Mukadam, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Prachi Jambhekar, Municipal Corporator Harshita Narvekar, Executive Director of the World Trade Center Rupa Naik, Zhep Foundation Director Pournima Shirishkar, along with several women from self-help groups and officials from the Social Welfare Department.

Minister Aditi Tatkare stated that International Women’s Day is a reminder of self-identity and empowerment. In this context, Zhep Foundation has brought together over 500 self-help group women. More than two crore women are beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, which is proving to be a significant tool for economic empowerment, especially for rural women. She expressed satisfaction that this initiative is positively impacting millions of women.

The Zhep Foundation has united such women and encouraged them to venture into small businesses. Minister Tatkare expressed joy in honoring these women, emphasizing that the initiative aims to enhance their role in family contributions. She assured that the government will provide full support to needy women to ensure their financial independence.

She also extended Women’s Day greetings to all the women who are embracing government initiatives, breaking traditional barriers, and supporting their fellow sisters in this journey toward progress.

Principal Secretary Ashwini Bhide remarked that with determination and ambition, women can achieve their goals. She highlighted that 70% of women are engaged in small-scale industries. Through various state and central government schemes, rural women can also be empowered to become entrepreneurs. She emphasized that the state government is committed to giving wings to women’s ambitions, but achieving success will depend on their determination and perseverance. She concluded by extending her best wishes for Women’s Day.